With its live music event “Die Passion” in 2022, broadcaster RTL caused a stir and countless Twitter memes. What united fans and critics alike: Both camps ensured that the show from Essen gathered 3.14 million viewers in front of the screens and thus became a ratings success. Another edition of the “Greatest Story of All Time” is planned for March 27th this year and it is now clear who the star will be: As RTL announced, musician, presenter and actor Ben Blümel (42) will take on the role of Jesus of Nazareth.
The now 42-year-old from Berlin celebrated several successes in the German charts shortly after the turn of the millennium. As Ben, he celebrated the biggest hit of his career in 2002 with singer Gim (42) and their song “Engel”. Now he has made it from the “angel” to the Messiah.
“My expectations for ‘The Passion’ are actually huge,” Blümel is quoted as saying, given his significant role. “It’s really great to be able to be a part of it and, above all, to give everything to be able to reinterpret the greatest story in the world through modern pop songs. So, I’m really up for it!”
In addition to Blümel as Jesus, RTL announced another important cast. Jimi Blue Ochsenknecht (32) will take on the role of traitor Judas at Easter. A challenge that is as big as it is exciting, says Uwe Ochsenknecht’s son: “I always wanted to play a real villain – and Judas is one of the most famous villains in history.”
At the same time, he wants to try to portray the character, who is “not just ‘evil,'” in as many layers as possible: “I’m really looking forward to working out all the nuances.”
“The Passion” was actually supposed to be performed on RTL for the first time in 2020, but the corona pandemic thwarted these plans. Instead, it appeared on time for Easter 2022 and left many TV viewers astonished. “DSDS” winner Alexander Klaws (40) played Jesus and Mark Keller (58) played Judas in the premiere edition. EllaFIN (39, Maria), Martin Semmelrogge (68, Barabbas), Henning Baum (51, Pontius Pilatus) and Laith Al-Deen (51, Petrus) were seen in other roles. Meanwhile, Thomas Gottschalk (73) acted as the overarching narrator.
It has not yet been announced who will embody these and other roles in the upcoming edition live from Kassel.
